KPK Finds Documents And Electronic Devices Related To The Ambon Mayor's Bribery Case At Alfamidi's Office

Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy is inactive./DOK VOI-Wardhany Tsa Tsia

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) found evidence in the form of documents and electronic devices from a search conducted at the office of PT Midi Utama Indonesia (MID), Tbk. This search was carried out in connection with the alleged bribery that ensnared the inactive Ambon Mayor Richard Louhenapessy.

In this case, Richard is suspected of accepting bribes related to the principle permit for the construction of Alfamidi outlets in Ambon City. Acting KPK Spokesperson for Enforcement, Ali Fikri, said the search was carried out on Friday, May 13.

"From this location, various evidences were found and secured, including documents and electronic devices," said Ali in a written statement to reporters, Wednesday, May 18.

In addition, the KPK also searched six other locations in the Ambon City Government office on Tuesday, May 17 yesterday. The locations searched included Richard's office and the office of the Ambon Mayor's secretariat.

Next, investigators also searched the office head's office and the secretariat of the tourism and culture office, the office head office and transportation office staff, the office head office and BPKAD office staff, and several rooms at the Public Housing and Settlement Areas Office.

From the search, Ali said, he found various evidences including a number of financial-related documents including records of the flow of money and evidence of electronic devices.

"All the evidence from the search is strongly suspected to be able to explain and unravel all the actions of the suspects," said Ali.

"Furthermore, the various evidences referred to will be analyzed and immediately confiscated to complete the case file of the suspect RL et al," he added.

As previously reported, the KPK named Ambon City Mayor Richard Louhenpessy as a suspect for accepting bribes along with his subordinates, the administrative staff of the Ambon City Government (Pemkot) Andrew Erin Hehanusa.

This bribe was given in connection with the approval for the 2020 Alfamidi minimarket retail branch construction permit in Ambon City. As for the giver, Alfamidi's employee, Amri.

In this case, the anti-corruption commission suspected that Richard had asked for an allotment of Rp. 25 million for each permit he issued. Meanwhile, regarding the construction permit for 20 Alfamidi retail outlets, Richard is suspected of receiving Rp500 million from Amri.

In addition, he is suspected of receiving a flow of funds from several parties as a gratuity. However, the KPK has not stated the number because investigators are still investigating further.